McGrath, Sexton and Te'o return for Connacht clash

31 December 2015

Luke McGrath, Johnny Sexton and Ben Te'o all return to the Leinster team for the PRO12 clash with Connacht at the RDS tomorrow.

In the forwards, only Jack McGrath and Devin Toner were retained as coach Leo Cullen made eleven changes in total from the win over Munster. McGrath is once again selected at loosehead prop after his try scoring performance last weekend with Marty Moore coming in from the start this weekend. Richardt Strauss also starts at hooker tomorrow evening. In the second row Toner is joined by former Connacht player Mike McCarthy. Captain Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier and Jordi Murphy form a completely new back row.

In the backs, Rob Kearney starts at full back in only his second PRO12 game of the season. Fergus McFadden is once again selected on the right wing with Dave Kearney coming in on the left. Te'o returns from injury and takes over the inside centre jersey from Luke Fitzgerald with Garry Ringrose outside him at 13. McGrath and Sexton both return from injury to start in the half backs.

Sean O'Brien will start from the bench for what will be his 100th cap for Leinster should he come on. Meanwhile, Cian Healy wasn't consided for selection as the prop is having his citing complaint for a striking incident against Toulon's Guilhem Guirado reheard in London today.